Owners have filed 196 complaints
about the 1997 Hyundai Elantra with NHTSA between 1997 and 2017.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 29 of 33 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 27
Against the median year of the Hyundai Elantra. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
20.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 13
8% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1997 compares with every other Hyundai Elantra
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Automatic Transmission
2228.6%
Frontal
1316.9%
Tank Assembly
1114.3%
Ignition
79.1%
Door
79.1%
Gasoline
67.8%
Engine
67.8%
Motor
56.5%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
13.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
311.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
934.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1038.5%
150,000+ miles
311.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 1997peak 16Mar 2017
NHTSA investigations into the 1997 Hyundai Elantra
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
1
investigation is
still open.
SQ00003Opened 2 Feb 2000Still openFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
FUEL CAP REPLACEMENT CAMPAIGN 36
Recalls on the 1997 Hyundai Elantra
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200006312,654 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, if excessive vacuum is applied to the fuel tanks during the canister purge cycle, fuel tank distortion may result. After repeated exposure to the excessive vacuum, a stress crack may develop on the upper tank surface. This could result in fuel vapours or fuel escaping from the fuel tank. Correction: Fuel cap will be replaced with one that is vented so as not to allow excessive fuel tank vacuum. Fuel tanks will be inspected for cracking and replaced if necessary.
Recall 199704514,087 units in Canada
Visual System
THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BREAKER ELECTRICAL CONTACTS MAY BE CONTAMINATED WITH SOLDERING FLUX. THIS CONTAMINATION COULD INTERFERE WITH THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT CONTINUITY AND PREVENT THE WIPER MOTOR FROM OPERATING. INOPERATIVE WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO REDUCED VISIBILITY DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER WHICH MAY IN TURN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH. CORRECTION: CONTAMINANTS WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BREAKER CONTACTS.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 145,000 milesLouisville, KYCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, MY CAR GOT TOTALED ON 5/18/2015,. I RECEIVED A CONCUSSION AND JOINT PAIN ALL OVER FOR MONTHS FROM A COLLISION THAT HAPPENED THIS DAY. MY AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. I WAS GOING 40 TO 45 MPH WHEN A VAN MADE A RIGHT HAND TURN IN FRONT OF ME. HER FAULT, I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES, BUT IT WAS TOO LATE TO DO ANY GOOD. MY HEAD HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. I AM STILL HAVING PROBLEMS. I HAD NO WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. I CONTACTED NHTSA ON 5/19/15 MADE A COMPLAINT. I CALLED HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY WHO FINALLY CAME AND LOOKED AT THE CAR BEFORE IT WAS TAKEN BY THE INSURANCE, DUE TO IT BEING TOTALED. IT WOULDN'T EVEN START. HYUNDAI TOTALLY DISMISSED IT AND CONTRADICTED THEMSELVES IN THE LETTER THEY SENT ME. THEY SAID THE CAR DID WHAT IT WAS SUPPOSED TO DO. REALLY? I NOW HAVE POST CONCUSSION SYNDROME. PTSD. I REPLAY THIS OVER AND OVER IN MY HEAD. THERE NEEDS TO BE A CLASS ACTION AND RECALL FOR THIS. I DON'T HAVE MY VEHICLE ANYMORE BUT THE SCARS ARE STILL THERE BECAUSE OF HYUNDAI. AN AIRBAG IS SUPPOSED TO PROTECT YOU DURING A COLLISION. FAILURE TO DEPLOY IS A FAILURE AND NOT DOING WHAT IT WAS SUPPOSED TO DO. HYUNDAI HAS ALREADY RECALLED OTHER VEHICLES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM OR GLITCH. IT WON'T BE TOO LATE FOR THEM. UPDATED 9/15/15 *LN UPDATED 12/10/2015
NHTSA complaint #10746386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,000 milesLouisville, KYCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TRAVELING WEST ON ADAM SHEPHERDS PKWY, I HAD A GREEN LIGHT, LADY OPPOSITE SIDE TURNED LEFT IN FRONT OF ME, RESULTED IN COLLISION. HER FAULT. WITNESSES SAID SHE HESITATED BUT WENT ANYWAY. SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO YIELD. I COULD OF BEEN KILLED! MY FRONT DUAL AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. I CAN HARDLY MOVE MY RIGHT ARM, MY BACK, MY NECK MY CHEST HURTS. I WAS TAKEN THEN TO NORTON'S EMERGENCY ROOM . I CAN'T SIT OR LAY DOWN OR STAND TOO LONG. CAN'T HOLD ON TO ANYTHING. VERY SORE, STRAINED MUSCLES AND BRUISING OF MUSCLES.
NHTSA complaint #10717302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,000 milesLouisville, KYCrash1 injured
SUSPENSION
TRAVELING WEST ON ADAM SHEPHERDS PKWY, I HAD A GREEN LIGHT, LADY OPPOSITE SIDE TURNED LEFT IN FRONT OF ME, RESULTED IN COLLISION. HER FAULT. WITNESSES SAID SHE HESITATED BUT WENT ANYWAY. SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO YIELD. I COULD OF BEEN KILLED! MY FRONT DUAL AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. I CAN HARDLY MOVE MY RIGHT ARM, MY BACK, MY NECK MY CHEST HURTS. I WAS TAKEN THEN TO NORTON'S EMERGENCY ROOM . I CAN'T SIT OR LAY DOWN OR STAND TOO LONG. CAN'T HOLD ON TO ANYTHING. VERY SORE, STRAINED MUSCLES AND BRUISING OF MUSCLES.
NHTSA complaint #10717302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,000 milesLouisville, KYCrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
TRAVELING WEST ON ADAM SHEPHERDS PKWY, I HAD A GREEN LIGHT, LADY OPPOSITE SIDE TURNED LEFT IN FRONT OF ME, RESULTED IN COLLISION. HER FAULT. WITNESSES SAID SHE HESITATED BUT WENT ANYWAY. SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO YIELD. I COULD OF BEEN KILLED! MY FRONT DUAL AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. I CAN HARDLY MOVE MY RIGHT ARM, MY BACK, MY NECK MY CHEST HURTS. I WAS TAKEN THEN TO NORTON'S EMERGENCY ROOM . I CAN'T SIT OR LAY DOWN OR STAND TOO LONG. CAN'T HOLD ON TO ANYTHING. VERY SORE, STRAINED MUSCLES AND BRUISING OF MUSCLES.
NHTSA complaint #10717302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,015 milesSeffner, FLCrash1 injured
SEATS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AT 40 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SEAT SLID FORWARD. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE CONTACT'S LOWER BODY TO BECOME JAMMED UNDERNEATH THE STEERING WHEEL, WHICH ALSO CAUSED HIM TO REAR END THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. HE DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCES IN THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE FAILURE AND IT HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 124,015. UPDATED 07/29/08 *BF THE CONSUMER SUFFERED NECK AND BACK INJURIES, BUT DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT. UPDATED 07/29/08
NHTSA complaint #10229751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brownsville, KYCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING, THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. *AK WHEN THIS OCCURRED, THE CONSUMER HIT THE BRAKES WHILE ON A WET SURFACE, LOST CONTROL, HIT THE BANK AND ALMOST OVER TURNED. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #10029961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 120,000 milesLowell, IN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A FRACTURE/CRACK IN THE FUEL TANK THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ON JANUARY 5, 2000 PER NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: SQ00003 (FUEL CAP REPLACEMENT); HOWEVER, THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 00V095002 OR 00V095001 (FUEL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #10968772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 189,000 milesBronx, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE ODOR OF FUEL WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO DISCOVERED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 00V095002 (FUEL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,000. UPDATED 04/18/17 *LJ
NHTSA complaint #10907089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 189,000 milesBronx, NY
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE ODOR OF FUEL WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO DISCOVERED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 00V095002 (FUEL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,000. UPDATED 04/18/17 *LJ
NHTSA complaint #10907089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesLouisville, KYCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, MY CAR GOT TOTALED ON 5/18/2015,. I RECEIVED A CONCUSSION AND JOINT PAIN ALL OVER FOR MONTHS FROM A COLLISION THAT HAPPENED THIS DAY. MY AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. I WAS GOING 40 TO 45 MPH WHEN A VAN MADE A RIGHT HAND TURN IN FRONT OF ME. HER FAULT, I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES, BUT IT WAS TOO LATE TO DO ANY GOOD. MY HEAD HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. I AM STILL HAVING PROBLEMS. I HAD NO WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. I CONTACTED NHTSA ON 5/19/15 MADE A COMPLAINT. I CALLED HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY WHO FINALLY CAME AND LOOKED AT THE CAR BEFORE IT WAS TAKEN BY THE INSURANCE, DUE TO IT BEING TOTALED. IT WOULDN'T EVEN START. HYUNDAI TOTALLY DISMISSED IT AND CONTRADICTED THEMSELVES IN THE LETTER THEY SENT ME. THEY SAID THE CAR DID WHAT IT WAS SUPPOSED TO DO. REALLY? I NOW HAVE POST CONCUSSION SYNDROME. PTSD. I REPLAY THIS OVER AND OVER IN MY HEAD. THERE NEEDS TO BE A CLASS ACTION AND RECALL FOR THIS. I DON'T HAVE MY VEHICLE ANYMORE BUT THE SCARS ARE STILL THERE BECAUSE OF HYUNDAI. AN AIRBAG IS SUPPOSED TO PROTECT YOU DURING A COLLISION. FAILURE TO DEPLOY IS A FAILURE AND NOT DOING WHAT IT WAS SUPPOSED TO DO. HYUNDAI HAS ALREADY RECALLED OTHER VEHICLES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM OR GLITCH. IT WON'T BE TOO LATE FOR THEM. UPDATED 9/15/15 *LN UPDATED 12/10/2015
NHTSA complaint #10746386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,000 milesLouisville, KYCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TRAVELING WEST ON ADAM SHEPHERDS PKWY, I HAD A GREEN LIGHT, LADY OPPOSITE SIDE TURNED LEFT IN FRONT OF ME, RESULTED IN COLLISION. HER FAULT. WITNESSES SAID SHE HESITATED BUT WENT ANYWAY. SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO YIELD. I COULD OF BEEN KILLED! MY FRONT DUAL AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. I CAN HARDLY MOVE MY RIGHT ARM, MY BACK, MY NECK MY CHEST HURTS. I WAS TAKEN THEN TO NORTON'S EMERGENCY ROOM . I CAN'T SIT OR LAY DOWN OR STAND TOO LONG. CAN'T HOLD ON TO ANYTHING. VERY SORE, STRAINED MUSCLES AND BRUISING OF MUSCLES.
NHTSA complaint #10717302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,000 milesLouisville, KYCrash1 injured
SUSPENSION
TRAVELING WEST ON ADAM SHEPHERDS PKWY, I HAD A GREEN LIGHT, LADY OPPOSITE SIDE TURNED LEFT IN FRONT OF ME, RESULTED IN COLLISION. HER FAULT. WITNESSES SAID SHE HESITATED BUT WENT ANYWAY. SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO YIELD. I COULD OF BEEN KILLED! MY FRONT DUAL AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. I CAN HARDLY MOVE MY RIGHT ARM, MY BACK, MY NECK MY CHEST HURTS. I WAS TAKEN THEN TO NORTON'S EMERGENCY ROOM . I CAN'T SIT OR LAY DOWN OR STAND TOO LONG. CAN'T HOLD ON TO ANYTHING. VERY SORE, STRAINED MUSCLES AND BRUISING OF MUSCLES.
NHTSA complaint #10717302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,000 milesLouisville, KYCrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
TRAVELING WEST ON ADAM SHEPHERDS PKWY, I HAD A GREEN LIGHT, LADY OPPOSITE SIDE TURNED LEFT IN FRONT OF ME, RESULTED IN COLLISION. HER FAULT. WITNESSES SAID SHE HESITATED BUT WENT ANYWAY. SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO YIELD. I COULD OF BEEN KILLED! MY FRONT DUAL AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. I CAN HARDLY MOVE MY RIGHT ARM, MY BACK, MY NECK MY CHEST HURTS. I WAS TAKEN THEN TO NORTON'S EMERGENCY ROOM . I CAN'T SIT OR LAY DOWN OR STAND TOO LONG. CAN'T HOLD ON TO ANYTHING. VERY SORE, STRAINED MUSCLES AND BRUISING OF MUSCLES.
NHTSA complaint #10717302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,672 milesNEW York, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
HYUNDAI CHARGED FOR RECALL - DID NOT PERFORM RECALL. CAR STILL NOT FIXED. HYUNDAI STILL HAS THE MONEY.
NHTSA complaint #10660485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesCoventry, CT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL ODOR. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A FRACTURE ON THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE FUEL TANK. THE FAILURE OCCURRED A SECOND TIME AFTER THE REPAIR. THE FUEL TANK WAS FRACTURED IN THE SAME LOCATION. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V095001 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY), THAT MAY RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT THE ORIGINAL PART WOULD HAVE TO BE AVAILABLE IN ORDER FOR THE REPAIR TO BE PERFORMED. THE CONTACT DID NOT SAVE THE ORIGINAL PART. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
NHTSA complaint #10455398 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eagle Grove, IA
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
SAFETY RECALL ON THE 1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA WAGON REGARDING EXCESSIVE FUEL PRESSURE IN THE GAS TANK WAS INITIATED IN 2001. AS AN OWNER OF SUCH VEHICLE, I RESPONDED AND RECEIVED IN THE MAIL A NEW GAS CAP.........AND WAS INFORMED THAT WAS THE FIX. THE TANK WAS NEVER CHECKED FOR CRACKS OR EVEN IF THE PRESSURE WAS CORRECTED BY THE NEW GAS CAP.
NHTSA complaint #10277354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,000 milesOgden, UT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN WORKING INTERMITTENTLY FOR OVER FIVE MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY A FUEL TANK LEAK. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V095001 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE STORAGE: TANK). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 137,000.
NHTSA complaint #10241871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,000 milesCharlotte, NC
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT TOOK HER VEHICLE FOR EMISSIONS TESTING, IN WHICH IT FAILED. AFTER INSPECTION, SHE NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL, AND SHE ALSO SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE EMANATING FROM THE VEHICLE. A MECHANIC CONCLUDED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE FUEL TANK. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER STATED THAT ALTHOUGH SHE WAS EXPERIENCING IDENTICAL FAILURES MENTIONED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V095001 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY), HER VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. SHE IS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AT THE COST OF $510. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000.
NHTSA complaint #10233760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,015 milesSeffner, FLCrash1 injured
SEATS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AT 40 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SEAT SLID FORWARD. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE CONTACT'S LOWER BODY TO BECOME JAMMED UNDERNEATH THE STEERING WHEEL, WHICH ALSO CAUSED HIM TO REAR END THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. HE DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCES IN THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE FAILURE AND IT HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 124,015. UPDATED 07/29/08 *BF THE CONSUMER SUFFERED NECK AND BACK INJURIES, BUT DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT. UPDATED 07/29/08
NHTSA complaint #10229751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, MA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND HE DISCOVERED A CRACK IN THE UPPER FUEL TANK SURFACE. THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER A RECALL IN 2000, HOWEVER, THE DEALER FOUND NOTHING WRONG AT THAT TIME. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED IN 2000, HE IS NO LONGER ON THE RECALL LIST. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 101,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 10/03/07
NHTSA complaint #10202990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesMilford, NH
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
MY CAR STARTED AT APPROXIMATELY 70,000 MILES, WHILE ALL MAINTENANCE WAS TAKEN CARE OF, STARTED SLIPPING GEARS, THEN I COULD NO LONGER REVERSE THE CAR. I, DUE TO LACK OF FUNDS HAD TO LET IT GO FOR A WHILE, BUT THEN GOT A REBUILT TRANSMISSION INSTALLED. AFTER THAT, 9,000 MILES LATER, I AM HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. I JUST DON'T THINK IT'S RIGHT THAT ANY CAR, AFTER JUST 70,000 MILES SHOULD HAVE THE TRANSMISSION GO. MANY PEOPLE TELL ME THEY ARE "DISPOSABLE" VEHICLES, BUT THIS IS THE SECOND HYUNDAI I HAVE OWNED, AND HAVE LOVED SO MUCH. I BOUGHT IT BECAUSE THEY ARE AFFORDABLE, BUT DON'T THINK I WILL CONSIDER MYSELF A LOYAL HYUNDAI DRIVER EVER AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10158224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dunnellon, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
MY 1997 HYUNDAI/ELANTRA GLS HAS A CRACKED EXHAUST MANIFOLD THAT WAS DETECTED BY MY HUSBAND, THE CAR HAS 98,600. MILES AND OUT OF WARRANT,BUT IT HAS TO BE FIXED. IT COULD BE A HEALTH PROBLEM IF YOU ARE TRAVELING LONG DISTANCES, AND DO NOT KNOW THE MANIFOLD IS CRACKED. WE TRAVEL A LOT OF MILES ,NOW MY HUSBAND KNOWS WHY HE WAS SO EXHAUSTED LAST TRIP. WE JUST WANT SOMEONE TO KNOW THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10139874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,000 milesWest Haven, CT
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
DT: WHEN PURHASED VEHICLE 3 YEARS AGO THE SEAT BELTS WORKED. ABOUT 6-8 MONTHS LATER 2 REAR SEAT BELTS, ONE ON THE LEFT AND ONE ON THE RIGHT, QUIT WORKING. THE SEAT BELT WILL NOT MOVE FROM THE RETRACTOR. THIS HAPPENED WITHOUT ANY ACCIDENT OR TRAUMA TO THE SEAT BELT, THEY SIMPLY QUIT WORKING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, WHO SAID CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOPR SEAT BELT REPAIRS. CONTACTED MANUFACTURER, WHO STATED WHATEVER THE DEALER SAID GOES. NO CORRECTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE ON THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER WANTED DEALER TO PAY FOR SEAT BELT REPAIRS.
NHTSA complaint #10133784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
DT: THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997, HYUNDAI ELANTRA. SHE STATED THERE WAS A RECALL IN 1997 FOR THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR, BUT THE MANUFACTURER SAID THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN ALTHOUGH WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. IT NEEDED T TO BE FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #10131755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,000 milesNEW York, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
DT: CONSUMER FOUND 2 RECALL WARNINGS CONCERNING WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR AND FUEL TANK WITH A POSSIBLE LEAK ON THE INTERNET. HE IS NOT GETTING VEHICLE SERVICED.
NHTSA complaint #10123719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,000 milesNEW York, NY
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
DT: CONSUMER FOUND 2 RECALL WARNINGS CONCERNING WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR AND FUEL TANK WITH A POSSIBLE LEAK ON THE INTERNET. HE IS NOT GETTING VEHICLE SERVICED.
NHTSA complaint #10123719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
College Park, MD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL CAMPAIGN 00V095001 CONCERNING FUEL TANK. DEALER REFUSED TO DO RECALL REPAIRS.
NHTSA complaint #10115579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesBumpass, VA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED FOR AN ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATING WHILE DRIVING. DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD CRACKED ON THE WELD. IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10113841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reidsville, NC
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
NHTSA RECALL 00V095001 CONCERNING FUEL TANK FAILURE. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN ALTHOUGH IT EXPERIENCED FUEL LOSS FROM THE TANK.
NHTSA complaint #10106719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 178,000 milesLubbock, TX
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
I HAVE A 1997 HYUNDAI ELANTRA THAT WAS RECALLED IN 2000 (00V095002). RECENTLY I SMELLED A VERY STRONG GASOLINE ODOR AND SIPPING SOUND COMING OUT OF MY TANK. I BEEN FILLING MY TANK AND KEPT LOSING GAS WITHIN A WEEK AND THIS IS 10 GALLONS WITHIN FOUR DAYS. WHEN I WENT TO CHECK I NOTICED GASOLINE COMING OUT THROUGH MY PASSENGER SEATS ESPECIALLY WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. THERE IS ALSO A LIGHT ON AND WHEN I TOOK FOR COMPUTER READ I WAS TOLD THE CODE PO446 WAS ON (EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL WAS APPLYING TO MUCH PRESSURE TO MY TANK. I HAVE CALLED HYUNDAI AND THEY DECLINED TO MAKE ANY INVESTIGATION OR EVEN TRY TO HELP AND THEY COULD ONLY PROVIDE THE FILE NUMBER 872092. I HAVE TWO MINORS RIDING IN THIS CAR AND I THINK THE POTENTIAL OF FIRE IS VERY HIGHER. I DOUBT IF HYUNDAI FIXED THIS PROBLEM . WHEN I TOOK MY CAR FOR RECALL BACK IN 2000, THEY TOOK LESS THAN TEN MINUTES TO CHECK OR REPAIR WHATEVER THEY WHERE RECALLING. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF THESE CARS AND PROBABLY LEAKING GASOLINE WITHOUT THE CONSUMERS KNOWLEDGE OR AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10098405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,000 milesChicago, IL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THE TRANSMISSION FLUID IS LEAKING AND THE CAR IS SLIPPING OR NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY DURING NORMAL DRIVING!
NHTSA complaint #10080756 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.